Air Fryer Honey Soy Salmon
Your next midweek staple – air fryer honey soy salmon
If you’re still on the fence about cooking salmon in an air fryer, let me put your mind at ease: this method is a total game-changer. I know some people think an air fryer is “too intense” for delicate fish — but let’s be real. If people are out here poaching salmon in dishwashers (?!), then using an air fryer is practically gourmet. Plus, the air circulation results in even cooking, without any underdone fishy bits or pesky burnt bits.
This honey soy salmon recipe proves how easy, quick, and actually delicious air fryer fish can be. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have beautifully caramelised salmon fillets with sticky edges and a juicy, flaky interior — no overcooked fish in sight.
What to serve the salmon with?
To complete the meal, I serve the salmon with fluffy white rice, beautifully crisp tenderstem broccoli, and a refreshing chilli cucumber salad (or “chilli cukes” if you’re feeling spicy). This salad adds crunch, heat, and a hint of vinegar tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey soy glaze.
And for those of you who want to show off a little on socials — I spiralised my cucumber for this recipe (because why not?). It’s surprisingly simple, wildly satisfying, and looks very “chef-y” with minimal effort.
What makes this air fryer salmon recipe so good?
Quick: The salmon cooks in 7-9 minutes.
Healthy: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and fresh veg.
Minimal clean-up: One air fryer basket and a pot of rice — done.
Customisable: Swap the salmon for tofu or chicken if needed.
This recipe also features in my Sunday Times BESTSELLER (still can’t believe I get to write that) — The Actually Delicious Air Fryer Cookbook. But because I love you lot, I’m sharing this one for free, right here. We should all be eating more fish… especially when it tastes this good.
FAQs
What if I don’t have honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave as an alternative sweetener.
Can I make this dish low-carb?
Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve with a big green salad. I’m a carb lover so don’t usually have to worry about this hehe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
What else can I serve this with?
I like grilled spring onions, crispy shallots (the ones from the supermarkets), some picked veg, or with soba noodles and longstem broccoli. You could also use sweet potato as the base with whatever veg you fancy.
Photography © Haarala Hamilton
Air Fryer Honey Soy Salmon
By Poppy Cooks
https://www.poppycooks.com/recipes/air-fryer-honey-soy-salmon/
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 3 tbsp runny honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4cm piece fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated (no need to peel)
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
Metric
Imperial
Instructions
- Make a marinade by whisking together your soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and chilli flakes. Pour the marinade over the salmon and set aside in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the air fryer to 180°C/350°F.
- Lift the salmon fillets out of the marinade (reserve the marinade in a bowl), place them in the air fryer basket, and cook for 7-9 minutes, until cooked and flaky.
- Meanwhile, tip the reserved marinade into a small saucepan over a medium heat, add 1/2 cup of water and reduce until glossy. Taste to check the seasoning - you might need to add a splash of rice wine vinegar and honey to balance the flavours. Blitz until smooth if you like.
- Serve the salmon with the sauce drizzled over. Enjoy!
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